Do you clean used toys? « Back to Group Discussions

[poppyseed2012]

We've received tons of toys and clothes from friends. We've washed all of the clothes, but we're unsure what to do about the toys. Do they need to be cleaned? Do you clean toys when you get them from a thrift store or friends? I started looking into it online and some people talked about how you should even be cleaning new toys on a weekly or monthly basis... what?! I don't remember my mom ever cleaning our toys. She would clean my blankie only when she could get it away from me and that was on a semi-annual basis - and then I would be grumpy for days!

So any suggestions on the used toys?

Thanks!

[MeredithA]

I always clean used toys. If it is a plush toy/stuffed animal I usually toss it in the washing machine and then let it air dry on the patio. If it is not plush, I use Seventh Generation Disinfecting Wipes or just plain soap and water depending on the product. I dont wash toys constantly at the house, but if we've had a virus or something I'll clean all the toys DS played with while sick.

[forestmushroom]

I clean toys, too... if it is a plushy that can't go in the wash it doesn't come in my house.

I use diluted white vinegar with a little drop of tea tree oil to wipe down all other toys... maybe every 3 months or so?

Not every toy, but baby toys do get wiped down frequently.

[BubbleMa]

Yes, I clean used items (toys, furniture, clothes, etc).  And usually new stuff too.  Not so much after that though.  Unless someone is sick.  For plastic toys I would just soak them in some kind of disinfecting solution.  The one Forest mentioned sounds good. 

[MeredithA]

Ooh, Forest I like your cleaning solution recipe. I use diluted white vinegar to spot-clean the carpet and I never thought to use it on toys, mainly because i hate the smell! But the tea tree oil would probably make it smell better... 

[forestmushroom]

Originally Posted by MeredithA 

Ooh, Forest I like your cleaning solution recipe. I use diluted white vinegar to spot-clean the carpet and I never thought to use it on toys, mainly because i hate the smell! But the tea tree oil would probably make it smell better... 

I use it to clean basically everything in the house.  I can't stand chemical cleaner smell... and so we use either vinegar and tea tree oil, or baking soda.  You can also add lavender oil, too! It has antibacterial properties... and smells so so so good! 

[Kamiro]

I use half rubbing alcohol and half water as my go to solution for disinfecting, window washing, and counter scrubbing. Wonder how weird that is...